About

The Alaska Suite features a five-piece chamber jazz ensemble performing the original music of Seattle pianist and composer Nelda Swiggett. But this is not just a concert. The performance engages the power of artistic expression — live music, spoken words, images and poetry — to connect audiences deeply and emotionally to the scientific realities of climate change.

Why Alaska? While the earth has warmed on average about 2° F since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, the Arctic is warming nearly twice as fast. The impacts of climate change are significant and alarming in Alaska right now, and this should be a wake up call for all of us.

Impact

The Alaska Suite debuted at Seattle First Baptist Church on Earth Day 2017. As of December 2018, it has been performed 14 times, touching nearly 900 people with its message of hope and call to action. Recent performances fundraised a combined total of $9K for the Yes on 1631 campaign, the Alaska Wilderness League, and future Alaska Suite performances.

“I am … awed and inspired by the commitment of your group to getting this out there to touch and inspire others to action. You have such a great voice — and narrative — for communicating facts and feelings — then amplified by the music — that immediately lets your audience sink into the moment and be present to the enormity of what they are witnessing and hearing.” — Marcia Lagerloef

News

We’re looking forward to performing the Alaska Suite at Northlake Unitarian Universalist Church in Kirkland this evening. We will also be debuting some new “how to” sheets for people to take home after our performances. Here they are to view or download. Thinking about getting an electric car? Here are a few tips to get …

Fall 2018 was busy! In addition to many successful performances, we recorded the Alaska Suite music at David Lange Studios in September. The CD recording will be available soon. Inspired by a live performance, producer and videographer Bill Lange decided he wanted to create a 30-minute documentary about the Alaska Suite. A large camera crew videotaped …

Biography

Nelda and her father

Nelda Swiggett (piano, compositions, narrative) is a Seattle native, and spent her childhood hiking, climbing and skiing the mountains of the Pacific Northwest. Her father Jack Christiansen was a passionate explorer of the wilderness. From a young age, Nelda followed him deep into the heart of the Olympic and Cascade mountains, mostly off trail route finding with map and compass. Her love for the natural world started early and over time strengthened into a sense of urgency and personal responsibility to protect it. Continue reading “Biography”